A few years ago, I returned home from a two-week mission trip to a house overrun by fleas. It seemed that our dog, Quimby was a mobile hotel and taxi service for untold numbers of tiny, winged terrorists infesting our home.

But, I didn’t see the fleas at first. When my husband mentioned that the dog might have fleas I shrugged it off. She’d had fleas before and we dealt with them pretty quickly. Besides, after two weeks in hot humid temperatures, I figured that the fleas could wait until I’d had a shower and a good night’s sleep.

When I sat up in bed the next morning, I noticed something hop across my comforter. Upon closer inspection, I realized that it was a flea. There was a flea in the bed with me!

I hopped out of bed and tried to block all thoughts of how many fleas jumped on me overnight. I’m still creeped out by the urban myth that says people may swallow up to eight spiders a year during their sleep (Note: This is not true, but I still try real hard to keep my mouth shut when I sleep).

My fears in life are a lot like my dog’s fleas. At first, they’re pesky but left unaddressed, my fears can quickly multiply and overtake my life. Fears that infest my heart and mind, making me anxious and teary all day and pacing without sleep at night.

Perhaps this is why there are hundreds of verses in the Bible that include some version of the phrase “do not fear” or “do not be afraid.” Depending on translation, some patient folks have counted and propose that there are “do not fear” verses for every day of the year. One of my favorite “do not fear” verses is Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Fear flees when we remember who God is and we open ourselves to His power in our lives. When God tells us not to be afraid, His character is the reason why. It is God’s faithfulness, His power, His love and His strength that hold us secure in uncertainty. When we forget who God is fear sets in.

In order to kill Quimby’s fleas, I had to find a weapon powerful enough to not just cripple, but kill of those winged creatures. We can take the same approach to slaying our fear. Are you ready for a practical tool to do this? Might I suggest what I like to call the “God-morning/God-night technique”? Take a notecard and write two or three “no not fear” verses (Isaiah 35:4, Matthew 14:27, Philippians 4:4-6) on both cards and put one by your bed and post one by your bathroom mirror. When you read those verses first thing in the morning and read them again at night, you begin to store God’s power to kill fear and worry in your life.

We can kill off fear and worry when we concentrate on God’s powerful Word!

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10 Comments

Annie
April 26, 2018 @
7:43 am

Over the years, I have developed a fearless way of living. I trust God with all my heart and know that He actually loves me more,than I can possibly ever love myself. So, when fear makes attempts to creep in; I’m reminded of whose daughter I am.

Barb, thank you! You encouraged me twice in one week! I met you at the Aspire event in Pittsburgh. I was the one who told you how much I loved your teaching and that I was scribbling notes like crazy. My word for the year is courage and I am absorbing all I can.Thank you again Barb.

Hi Debra! I love that we got to meet in Pittsburgh and here on the Aspire blog. Thank you for sharing your words of encouragement with me at the event and praise God that He used the Aspire event to encouarge you. I love your word of the year – you are strong and courageous! All the best to you –

Blessings and peace. Thank you for reminding me that God’s Word is a light unto my path and He will bless me with Hos guidance. Praise the Lord for His Word to bring perspective and confidence. And may Hos love being peace. Praise to our Lord!

Hi Dawn, thank you for sharing your comment. I give thanks to God that you saw this post and God used it encouraged you. I have a 21 Days of Prayer Challenge on my website if you’d like for me to pray along with you via email for 21 days as you. (barbroose.com)

I needed to hear this!!!!
I am in the midst of interviewing for another job and it’s paying half of what I make now. My job now I think is secure, but in the corporate world you can never really tell. The job I applied for, I will have the summers off and can spend a lot more time with my grandchildren but not sure if the income can be sustainable. I NEED PRAYERS!!!

Hi Connie, I am so glad that God allowed this article to find its way to you. God hears your prayers and He knows what you need. Keep coming back to the blog for encouragement, lean on your sisters-in-Christ for support and lean into God because He cares for you and those precious grandbabies. Thanks for stopping by the blog!